Wow! That is very interesting that they give fines to families who take their children out of school before the holidays. I have taught in the elementary levels before, and I always became quite frustrated with parents who took their children out of school unnecessarily. Is this a school holiday for Amalia? I'm sure that the RF isn't going to break the rules; after all, they seem like they try to set an example for others to follow. Since this seems to be a tradition, then are the children excused in the event that this isn't a holiday?

I've been in the same situation and typically it seems that the children who really need to be at school are the ones who are being pulled out.

It seems that in California, our understaffed truant offices have such a difficult time keeping up with those who keep their children home for any reason.

What a pity that there aren't Friso and his family! I would like to see his adorable daughters again.

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The article also mentions that the royals didn't say much, as 'last year is was a big mess', according to the crown prince.

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According to royalblog the royals could barely be bothered by saying a 'good morning', perhaps they were annoyed by a camera crew of the NCRV who has some balloons and other toys to attract the attention of the younger royals. Apparently princess Alexia already practised at home by wearing a ski helmet in the house.

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ON Another note: Willem-ALexander and Maxima asked for dispensation from the Bloemcampschool so Amalia can stay longer in Lech than just one week. So I was wrong and they do not stick to the normal school holidays, as they claimed they would do last year. According to royalblog the dispensation was given while following normal rules. Of course one can wonder how normal schoolrules are if you are an Orange-Nassau, I can imagine that 'Joe the Plumber' won't be able to bend the rules as easily.

Marengo: Do you know if the royal family was granted approval for Amalia's absence? I would imagine that they would not be told no by the school authorities. When Amalia gets older and begins to take part in more royal activities, do you think that the government will allow her more missed days due to royal duties?

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Great photos!!! They seem to really enjoy being together. It must be such a pain to have to have a photo session on vacation, but I'm glad they do it so we can enjoy the photos of their beautiful families!!

sgl,She did get dispensation.Given her position it is always possible for her to be off school whenever there's a need to ie official duties
in the future.That has always been the case since generations and quiet understandeble.Her parents will see to it that it won't happen
all the time,but exceptions make a rule for the Princesses.They do have to catch up on lost time tho,home rule,as is home-work.

They're not joe's kids from around the corner,they're prepared for their special role in the future,certainly Amalia's,from a very young age.
None of the teachers,nor the other parents,complain on this exceptional situation.Just the occasional miesmager sees another chance to
give it a go bashingwise.No-one-com-plains,at all.

It's understandable why they asked for some extra days for Amalia, since the Princes have a stressful along the year and they cannot be always with their children, etc. But the same happens with top lawyers, doctors, and artists, and there are no dispensation for their children. I know Amalia must be delighted to be in Lech instead of school (who wouldn't? ) but IMO that is not a good decision from the Royal House, because it seems they consider themselves above the laws.